B.C. lags well behind most of the rest of the country in terms of water metering, with fewer than 40 per cent of homes using a meter.

In B.C. the majority of homes still do not have meters, and at the municipal level, where the decision rests, it remains a thorny, difficult and often divisive issue.

Even in a rain-rich region like B.C., according to an internationally renowned water expert, "it's completely irresponsible that we don't meter water."

"I'm very adamant about it," said Hans Schreier, professor emeritus in UBC's faculty of land and food systems and a water expert with extensive international experience. He points to the example of Tofino, in the most rainfall-intensive area in B.C., which has run out of water in recent years.

Vancouver is one of the only big cities in the developed world without water metering, Schreier said.

The Province took the issue to B.C. mayors, asking their position on water meters. Many communities are slowly moving toward meters, while others said they were put off by the cost and public opposition.

But a few communities, spread throughout B.C., have fully embraced the metered model.

The Island region is ahead of the rest of the province.

All new construction in Nanaimo has to be metered, said Mayor John Ruttan. The meters are paid for through development cost charges and he's hopeful the entire city will one day be metered.

Even with metering, Nanaimo is heading toward a water crisis.

"Our engineers tell us (that) in 2020, demand will exceed supply," said Ruttan.

Elsewhere on Vancouver Island, Victoria and Sidney have both been fully metered for years.

The City of Langley has used meters on all homes and businesses for several years. "We love it," said Mayor Ted Schaffer. "You pay for what you use."

Meanwhile, the neighbouring Township of Langley does not use household meters, and every resident pays a flat rate.

Money was an issue in Coquitlam, where Mayor Richard Stewart initially supported the idea of residents paying for the water they actually used.

"Unfortunately, the cost (of installing meters) was enormous," said Stewart.

Burnaby residents also pay a flat rate instead of relying on meters.

On the North Shore, West Vancouver has universal metering for residential buildings, while District of North Vancouver single-family homes pay a flat rate. Water meters are part of Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson's Greenest City initiative. But currently, meters are required only in new homes, dual-family homes or homes being substantially renovated or rebuilt.

In the Okanagan, all residents supplied by the City of Kelowna water utility are on water meters, while nearby Kamloops is in the process of installing them, and Vernon has universal metering.

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